Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA): who they are and what the CFPB complaint record shows
Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA): CFPB complaint record (last 3 years), the most common complaint issues, and the rights the law gives you when a collector contacts you.
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Short answer: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC (PRA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of PRA Group, Inc., based in Norfolk, Virginia. PRA Group's main business is buying, collecting and managing nonperforming loan portfolios (per its 2025 10-K). If Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) has contacted you, federal law (the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the CFPB's Regulation F) gives you the right to a validation notice and to dispute the debt. This page lists facts only; it is not legal or financial advice.
Company facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal name | Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA) (10-K) |
| Headquarters | Norfolk, Virginia: 120 Corporate Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23502 (PRA Group 10-K) |
| Type | Debt buyer: PRA Group's "primary business is the purchase, collection and management of nonperforming loan portfolios" (10-K) |
| Website | portfoliorecovery.com |
| Phone | PRA Group corporate line (888) 772-7326 (10-K).; customer care 1-800-772-1413 (portfoliorecovery.com) |
| State license | Check it yourself on NMLS Consumer Access (we do not copy NMLS data) |
CFPB complaint record (Oct 14, 2023 – Oct 13, 2026)
Company name searched in the CFPB database: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
- Complaints received: 41,821
- Timely company response: 41,102 of 41,821 (98.3%)
Top 5 issues
| Issue | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Attempts to collect debt not owed | 13,906 |
| Took or threatened to take negative or legal action | 6,409 |
| Written notification about debt | 5,613 |
| False statements or representation | 4,430 |
| Incorrect information on your report | 4,030 |
How the company closed complaints
| Response | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Closed with explanation | 20,698 |
| Closed with non-monetary relief | 20,073 |
| In progress | 1,050 |
Top states by complaints
| State | Complaints |
|---|---|
| TX | 5,864 |
| FL | 5,128 |
| CA | 4,242 |
| GA | 3,305 |
| NY | 2,403 |
The CFPB notes that complaint counts are not a rating and should be considered in the context of a company's size. Complaints are not verified by the CFPB. See this query in the CFPB database.
Public enforcement actions
| Date | Agency | Summary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, 2015 | CFPB | Order requiring $19 million in consumer relief and an $8 million civil money penalty, and halting collection of $3 million in judgments, over collecting on unsubstantiated debt and robo-signed court documents | CFPB |
| Apr 13, 2023 (court entered order; filed Mar 23, 2023) | CFPB | Stipulated judgment for alleged violations of the 2015 order, the CFPA, FDCPA and FCRA: at least $12.18 million redress and a $12 million civil money penalty | CFPB |
| 2014 | New York Attorney General | Settlement over default judgments on time-barred debts: PRA to seek to vacate the improper judgments and pay $300,000 in penalties and costs | NY AG press release |
| Nov 11, 2019 | Massachusetts Attorney General | Assurance of discontinuance filed in Suffolk Superior Court: $4 million payment and practice changes (no collecting from consumers with only exempt income, call limits, documentation before collecting). PRA denied the allegations | Mass. AG press release |
What the law gives you when a collector contacts you
- Validation notice. Under Regulation F (12 CFR 1006.34), a debt collector must give you a validation notice with the amount owed, the creditor and how to dispute. eCFR §1006.34
- Right to dispute. The notice gives the date by which you can dispute; if you dispute in writing in that period, the collector must stop collecting until it sends verification. CFPB: What information does a debt collector have to give me?
- Sample letters. The CFPB publishes free sample letters to request information, dispute a debt or limit contact. CFPB debt collection letters
- Complaints. You can file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
- Time limits. Each state sets a statute of limitations on debt. Each state has its own rules; a state-by-state guide is coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) a real debt collector?
Yes. PRA Group's SEC filings name it as a wholly owned subsidiary.
What should I ask Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) for first?
The validation information described in Regulation F §1006.34; the CFPB's sample letters cover this.
Can I file a complaint about Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA)?
Yes, anyone can file a complaint with the CFPB online.